South Slough Reserve

05/29/2026

As part of the Wasson Creek Restoration Project, trees will be thinned in the Wasson Valley uplands intermittently from June 1 through August 31, 2026.

These forest management activities are part of long‑term stewardship efforts to promote healthier, more resilient forest stands within the Reserve.

What to expect:

💙 Increased activity along Hinch Road, equipment present at various times throughout the summer

💙Trails within the thinning areas remain closed to the public, as indicated on the South Trails map

💙Nearby trails remain open, including Fredrickson Trail Loop and new boardwalk, but forestry activity may be in the vicinity

The Reserve asks all visitors to respect posted closures, remain on designated open trails, and use caution when traveling near active work zones.

Click on "Wasson Restoration Article" link in bio for more information. Image of Reserve Stewardship Coordinator, Dr. Alice Yeates, walking through Wasson Valley uplands.

05/23/2026

Wetland restoration is an increasingly popular nature-based method for flood risk mitigation in coastal communities. NCCOS-funded researchers found that restoring wetland habitat in Coos Bay, OR is one way to reduce future flooding in the region’s downtown areas and along its major transportation routes. Learn more: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/modeling-reveals-how-wetland-restoration-mitigates-flooding-in-coastal-bays/

05/20/2026

Visit our booth Coos Bay Farmers Market and guess how many 5 spines crabs are in our pot to win a prize!

05/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18b6KHG3cW/

Save the date!

05/07/2026

Juliana Ruble, staff member at the Reserve, is being honored as an Ambassador of Public Service for the state of Oregon!

💙 Juliana helps projects at the Reserve, including the new driveway redesign, stay on track and is valued by colleagues for her work ethic and comradery.

🍎 She's posing her in front of the apple trees at the Visitor Center, which were replanted from original Wasson family apple seeds.

05/05/2026

K-12 teachers in Oregon are invited for 3 days (June 16–18) to learn from commercial fishermen, researchers, Indigenous voices, resource managers, seafood processors and other industry professionals.

Bring home new lesson plans as well as classroom and field trip activities that incorporate STEM and illuminate career pathways.

[Link in bio for more info]

Participants will receive:
🐟 $300 stipends for their time, plus ticket reimbursement
🦀 Lunches and snacks during the day
🪼 Lessons and activities
🦦 Lodging available for those living outside of the area

Deadline to register is May 18, 2026.

*The $50 ticket fee reserves your space in the workshop and will be reimbursed upon attendance. Reimbursement is possible for cancellations that are made by May 31, 2026.

05/04/2026

Trailkeepers of Oregon is hosting 3 South Slough Trail Parties to continue building the new Wasson Loop Trail in the southern portion of the Reserve!

Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome. Tools and training are provided, and no prior trail work experience is needed.

Click the link in bio to sign up via TKO's website.

04/24/2026

Thanks for hosting this event!

04/22/2026

The Visitor Center is now open for the season! Current hours are Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm. It will be open daily beginning May 23rd.

Located inside the big yellow farmhouse, the Visitor Center features exhibits and interpretive displays that tell the story of this place, from farming past to Estuarine Research Reserve. You'll also find a little gift shop and one of our many wonderful volunteers ready to answer your questions or help you pick the best route for exploring.

🌎Tomorrow, Earth Day, is a great chance to stop by and also join in the day's activities: bird walk, beach cleanup, nature crafts, and more! Find all the details at wellsreserve.org/calendar.